Nine
“I think it is something that needs to be seen by the masses, especially young people in schools today. …. it would be most appreciated by all of the members of the Little Rock Nine and those of us who helped pave the way in educational environments for all kids.”
– Carlotta Walls LaNier, Youngest member of the Little Rock Nine
The creative collaboration of choreographer Leah Glenn and visual artist Steve Prince, Nine is a commemorative, multi-media performance piece celebrating the heraldic bravery and pioneering spirit of nine African American teenagers who history came to know as the “Little Rock Nine.” In September of 1957, the nine youth integrated the public-school system in Little Rock, Arkansas amidst pressure from the governor of Arkansas to deny their access, and several dissenting community members that daily hurled racist epithets and death threats at the youth for breaking the color line.
Celebrating the life and legacy of each student, Nine sets the modern dance vocabulary of Leah Glenn Dance Theatre against the stunning and masterful visual imagery of Steve Prince. Music, movement and art moving in dialogue with one another: reminding us all of our collective history; not only as a reflection of our past, but also a cautionary reminder of work still to be done to create a more equitable and just society.
